FOOTBALLER PUTS WIND UP REFEREE

A referee ordered a penalty to be retaken in a Sunday league football game when an opposition player broke wind as the ball was kicked.

The Chorlton Villa player got a yellow card for the noise which was classed as "unsporting behaviour".

The team, who conceded a goal on the second take, went on to win the match 6-4 against International Manchester FC at Turn Moss in Stretford, Manchester.

Villa manager Ian Treadwell said their conduct was "normally exemplary".

"One of our players 'broke wind' and only the referee heard it and he booked the player," he said.

"The other player had the penalty saved because it was a bad penalty; it was nothing to do with any noise. They were as shocked as we were as to why."

Mr Treadwell said he was waiting for the Football Association to contact them after it had received a report.

The Manchester Publicity league club faces total fines of £97 for three dismissals and two yellow card bookings from the game.

Mr Treadwell said: "We are not a dirty team and we like to play football.

"While I won't condone the actions of the players, it is an emotive game and some of the players were sent off for entering into conversation with the referee.

"This has come at a bad time in the season as we don't have sponsor and we are looking for a new sponsor for next season."

Pauline Riley, secretary and treasurer of International Manchester FC, said both teams were "very friendly".

"There's no animosity. It was just hilarious," she said.

BBC NEWS REPORT.